Trends in Lab Designby Daniel WatchPerkins + WillLast updated: 09-19-2012Within This Page Introduction Description Relevant Codes and Standards Additional ResourcesINTRODUCTIONA new model of laboratory design is emerging, one that creates lab environments that are responsive to present needs and capable of accommodating future demands. Several key needs are driving the development of this model: The need to create"social buildings"that foster interaction andteam-based research; The need to achieve anappropriate balance between "open" and "closed" labs; The need forflexibilityto accommodate change; The need todesign for technologyto provide access to electronic communications systems throughout the building, which has immense implications on lab design; The need forenvironmental sustainability; and The need, in some cases, to developscience parksto facilitate partnerships between government, private-sector industry, and academia.BACK TO TOPDESCRIPTIONA. "Social Buildings" For Team-Based ResearchModern science is an intensely social activity. The most productive and successful scientists are intimately familiar with both the substance and style of each other's work. They display an astonishing capacity to adopt new research approaches and tools as quickly as they become available. Thus, science functions best when it is supported by architecture that facilitates both structured and informal interaction, flexible use of space, and sharing of resources.See also, WBDGProductive;ProductiveDesign for the Changing Workplace;Psychosocial Value of Space.Meeting PlacesA critical consideration in designing such an environment is to establish placesbreak rooms, meeting rooms, atrium spaceswhere people can congregate outside their labs to talk with one another. Even stairways, fire stairs, or stairs off an atrium with built-in window seats can provide opportunities for people to meet and exchange ideas. Designers must look for opportunities for such uses in public spaces, making optimal use of every square foot of the building.

Atrium spaces are usually very active, popular spaces that support better communication.Team-Based LabsLaboratories should have casework and engineering services that can easily be changed to support each research team. The CDC building 110 project, see photograph above, right, was designed with generic architectural and engineering services. At move in, the research teams were able to create over 60 different custom laboratory configurations.

Collaborative research requires teams of scientists with varying expertise to form interdisciplinary research units. As networks connect people and organizations, sharing data within a team and with other research teams becomes less complicated. So, designers are organizing space in new ways. Laboratory designers can support collaborative research by: Creating flexible engineering systems and casework that encourage research teams to alter their spaces to meet their needs Designing offices and write-up areas as places where people can work in teams Creating "research centers" that are team-based Creating all the space necessary for research team members to operate properly near each other Minimizing or eliminating spaces that are identified with a particular department Establishing clearly defined circulation patterns Provide interior glazing to allow people to see one another.B. "Open" Versus "Closed" LabsAn increasing number of research institutions are creating "open" labs to support team-based work. The open lab concept is significantly different from that of the "closed" lab of the past, which was based on accommodating the individual principle investigator. In open labs, researchers share not only the space itself but also equipment, bench space, and support staff. The open lab format facilitates communication between scientists and makes the lab more easily adaptable for future needs. A wide variety of labsfrom wet biology and chemistry labs, to engineering labs, to dry computer science facilitiesare now being designed as open labs. Most laboratory facilities built or designed since the mid-1990s in the U.S. possess some type of open lab.

For the Phase 2 Neuroscience facility at NIH (above, right) the open labs are designed with the offices to the right and direct access to the labs and the lab support to the left. The open labs are the focal point.There can be two or more open labs on a floor, encouraging multiple teams to focus on separate research projects. The architectural and engineering systems should be designed to affordably accommodate multiple floor plans that can easily be changed according to the research teams' needs.Closed labs are still needed for specific kinds of research or for certain equipment. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) equipment, electron microscopes, tissue culture labs, darkrooms, and glass washing are examples of equipment and activities that must be housed in separate, dedicated spaces.Moreover, some researchers find it difficult or unacceptable to work in a lab that is open to everyone. They may need some dedicated space for specific research in an individual closed lab. In some cases, individual closed labs can directly access a larger, shared open lab. When a researcher requires a separate space, an individual closed lab can meet his or her needs; when it is necessary and beneficial to work as a team, the main open lab is used. Equipment and bench space can be shared in the large open lab, thereby helping to reduce the cost of research. This concept can be taken further to create a lab module that allows glass walls to be located almost anywhere. The glass walls allow people to see each other, while also having their individual spaces.C. FlexibilityMaximizing flexibility has always been a key concern in designing or renovating a laboratory building. Flexibility can mean several things, including the ability to expand easily, to readily accommodate reconfigurations and other changes, and to permit a variety of uses.See also, WBDGProductiveandProductiveDesign for the Changing Nature of Work;ProductiveIntegrate Technological Tools;ProductiveAssure Reliable Systems and SpacesFlexible Engineering SystemsFlexible engineering servicessupply and exhaust air, water, electricity, voice/data, vacuum systemsare extremely important to most labs. Labs must have easy connects/disconnects at the walls and ceiling to allow for fast, affordable hookups of equipment. The engineering systems may need to be designed to enable fume hoods to be removed or added, to allow the space to be changed from a lab environment to an office and then back again, or to allow maintenance of the controls outside the lab.

At NC State, these engineering laboratories are supported by highly flexible mechanical systems that allow for equipment setups to be completed in almost endless number of scenarios. Change is encouraged and seen as beneficial in most cases.From the start, mechanical systems need to be designed for a maximum number of fume hoods in the building. Ductwork can be sized to allow for change and growth and vertical exhaust risers provided for future fume hoods in the initial construction. When a hood is required, the duct can simply be run from the hood to the installed vertical riser. The mechanical systems will need to be re-balanced when a fume hood is added or deleted to efficiently accommodate the numbers of hoods in use and the air changes necessary through each room. Vertical risers are primarily used for the hoods that exhaust special chemicals (such as radioactive and perchloric fumes) that cannot be mixed into the main laboratory exhaust system. Installing vertical risers during initial construction takes little time and costs approximately one-third of what it costs for retrofitting to add vertical risers later on.Engineering systems should be designed to service initial demands and at least an additional 25% for anticipated future programs. Space should be allowed in utility corridors, ceilings, and vertical chases for future heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical needs. Service shutoff valves should be easily accessible, located in a box in the wall at the entry to the lab or in the ceiling at the entry. All pipes, valves, and clean-outs should be clearly labeled to identify the contents, pressure, and temperature.See also WBDGHigh Performance HVAC.Equipment ZonesIt typically takes about three years for a 10,000 square meter lab building to be designed and built. During this time an organization's research needs may change or the people doing the research may leave and be replaced by others. In either case, there is a good chance that the purpose of the lab will change. If the entire lab is fitted with new casework, the casework may have to be changed before anyone occupies the new laboratory.

It is recommended to allocate approximately 25% of the space in most labs for equipment zones. This provides space for the researchers to come in and move casework and equipment around as well as add casework and/or equipment where necessary. The equipment zone shown in the dark rectangular color in the photo to the right becomes a type of swing space.Equipment zones are usually fitted out when the research team moves into the labthat is, when the team knows exactly what will be needed to do the work. The creation of equipment zones that accommodate change easily is a cost-effective design opportunity. The lab can be generic, with 50%70% casework initially and the rest of the lab fitted out later. The casework is usually located on the outside wall, with islands defined as equipment zones. It may also be helpful to locate 3 ft. to 6 ft. equipment zones on the outside walls to accommodate cylinders near fume hoods and refrigerators at the perimeter.Generic LabsWhen a laboratory facility is designed generically, all the labs are the same size and are outfitted with the same basic engineering services and casework. Generic labs are a sensible option when it is not known who will occupy the space or what specific type of research will be conducted there. Generic lab design may also make sense from an administrative standpoint, since each team or researcher is given the same basic amenities. The best generic labs have some flexibility built in and can be readily modified for the installation of equipment or for changes to the engineering services or casework. Many new labs are designed with mobile casework everywhere except for the fixed fume hoods and sinks.Mobile CaseworkTechnological advances allow for more research procedures to be automated. In the past equipment was often squeezed into an existing lab setup; today's labs must be designed to accept the needed equipment easily. There are several types of movable casework to consider. Storage cabinets that are 7 ft. tall allow a large volume of space for storage and can be very affordable, compared to the cost of multiple base cabinets. Mobile write-up stations can be moved into the lab whenever sit-down space is required for data collection.

Casework truly works like a kit of parts with the ability to add or subtract casework easily by the research team. Notice that none of the casework is on wheels to reduce cost and vibration concerns. Only carts are typically built with wheels.Mobile carts make excellent equipment storage units. Often used in research labs as computer workstations, mobile carts allow computer hardware to be stacked and then moved to equipment stations as needed. Data ports are also located adjacent to electrical outlets along the casework. Instrument cart assemblies are designed to allow for the sharing of instruments between labs. Carts are typically designed to fit through a 3 ft. wide doorway and are equipped with levelers and castors. Many mobile carts are load tested to support 2,000 lbs. and can be designed with 1 in. vertical slots to support adjustable shelving. The depth of the shelving can vary to allow efficient stacking of equipment and supplies.Mobile base cabinets are constructed with a number of drawer and door configurations and are equipped with an anti-tipping counterweight. The drawer units can be equipped with locks. The typical height of mobile cabinets is 29 in., which allows them to be located below most sit-down benches. Also, mobile tables are now available for robotic analyzers and designed to support 800 lbs. A mobile cabinet can also be designed to incorporate a computer cabinet, which can be hooked up to the robotic analyzers. Carts incorporate a pullout shelf for the server and a pullout tray for the keyboard in front of the monitor. Wire management is designed as a part of the cart.Using the Full Volume of the Lab SpaceMany labs today are equipment intensive and require as much bench space as possible. Using the full volume of the lab space to stack equipment and supplies can be very helpful and cost-effective. Mobile carts, as mentioned earlier, can be used to stack computer hardware as well as other lab equipment. Overhead cabinets allow for storage above the bench, making good use of the volume of a space. Flexibility can also be addressed with adjustable shelving instead of cabinets. Adjustable shelving allows the researcher to use the number of shelves required, at the height and spacing necessary. If tall equipment is set on the bench, the shelving can be taken down to allow space for the equipment. The bottom shelf should be 19-20 in. above the benchtop and should stop 18 in. below the ceiling to permit appropriate coverage by the sprinkler system.

These laboratories have high, sloped ceilings which allow natural indirect light in, provide engineering services above the laboratory equipment, and provide enough space to stack the equipment easily and safely.Overhead Service Carriers

An overhead service carrier is hung from the underside of the structural floor system. The utility services are run above the ceiling, where they are connected to the overhead service carrier. The utility services that are run above the ceiling should have quick connect and disconnect features for easy hookups to the overhead service carriers. Overhead service carriers come in standard widths and accommodate electrical and communication outlets, light fixtures, service fixtures for process piping, and exhaust snorkels.Wet and Dry LabsResearch facilities typically include bothwet labsanddry labs. Wet labs have sinks, piped gases, and usually, fume hoods. Wet labs require chemical-resistant countertops and 100% outside air and are outfitted with some fixed casework. Dry labs are usually computer intensive, with significant requirements for electrical and data wiring. Their casework is mobile; they have adjustable shelving and plastic laminate counters. Recirculated air is sufficient. (Dry lab construction is, in fact, very similar to office construction.) A key difference is the substantial need for cooling in dry labs because of the heat generated by the equipment.D. Design for the ComputerOne important change that has occurred in the design of research facilities is that furniture must be designed with computer use in mind. For example, furniture must accommodate the cabling necessary for PCs or laptop computers. Tables should be modular so that they can be added to or rearranged consistent with the fixed casework and the lab equipment to meet criteria for the space. Ports and outlets should be located to accommodate multiple furniture layouts. Write-up stations should to be at least four ft wide to allow for knee space and hardware under the countertop.

Workstations should be 48 in. wide and 30 in. deep, at a minimum. If a computer will be shared, the workstation should, at a minimum, be 72 in. wide and 30 in. deep. In wet labs, computer keyboards must be placed away from spill areas, ideally in separate write-up areas. Laptop computers should be considered for their compact size, mobility, and ease of storage. Electrical outlets must be accessible for plugging in adapters. And, as was mentioned in an earlier section, designers should consider stacking hardware vertically on mobile carts. Laptops with voice-activated microphones are being developed for use in fume hoods, where use of standard laptops can create safety hazards (or where laptops might be damaged by chemical spills).Three key developments in computer furniture should be emphasized: Specialized equipment enclosures. Computer hardware enclosures. Hardware enclosures that are fully ventilated and secure are available. Security for computers in a lab is a management and design issue, and designers should consider mobile cabinets with adjustable shelving that can be locked. Monitor arms, server platforms, and keyboard drawer solutions. Monitor arms are capable of holding up to 100 lbs. and can support computer monitors of up to 21 in. Mobile server platforms are designed with adjustable shelving to allow stacking of computer hardware. Keyboard platforms can be adjusted vertically and can be mounted under the work surface.Virtual LabsThroughout the research industry today, one constantly hears the phrases "virtual labs" and "virtual reality." Virtual labs will become more common each year. Some of the areas in which virtual reality will play a key role in future research are these: Virtual manufacturing Three-dimensional calibration for virtual environments Assembly path planning using virtual reality techniques Virtual assembly design environment Knowledge-based systems Virtual environments for ergonomic design TeleroboticsSee also WBDGProductiveIntegrate Technological ToolsE. SustainabilityA typical laboratory currently uses five times as much energy and water per square foot as a typical office building. Research laboratories are so energy-demanding for a variety of reasons: They contain large numbers of containment and exhaust devices They house a great deal of heat-generating equipment Scientists require 24-hour access Irreplaceable experiments require fail-safe redundant backup systems and uninterrupted power supply (UPS) or emergency power.In addition, research facilities have intensive ventilation requirementsincluding "once through" airand must meet other health and safety codes, which add to energy use. Examining energy and water requirements from a holistic perspective, however, can identify significant opportunities for improving efficiencies while meeting or exceeding health and safety standards. Sustainable design of lab environments should also improve productivity.Key aspects of sustainable design are as follows: Increasedenergy conservation and efficiency Reduction or elimination of harmful substances and waste Improvements to the interior and exterior environments, leading to increasedproductivity Efficient use of materials and resources Recycling and increased use of products with recycled contentDetailed guidance on designing sustainable laboratories is provided in the WBDG Resource Page onSustainable Laboratory Design.

Auditoriumby WBDG StaffLast updated: 06-02-2009Within This Page Overview Space Attributes Relevant Codes and Standards Major ResourcesOVERVIEWThe Auditorium space types are areas for large meetings, presentations, and performances. Auditorium space type facilities may include assembly halls, exhibit halls, auditoriums, and theaters. Auditorium space types do not include such features as sound reinforcement systems, audiovisual systems and projection screens,food service facilities, proscenium stages with heights greater than 50'- 0" or fly gallery, orchestra pits, revolving or hydraulic stage platforms, flying balconies, movable seating, or billboard systems.BACK TO TOPSPACE ATTRIBUTESAuditorium spaces are designed to accommodate large audiences. As such, they tend to have wide spans and are multiple-stories high in order to accommodate seating, sightline, and acoustical requirements. Raised stage/dais floors and special lighting equipment are often required as well. Typical features of Auditorium space types include the list of applicable design objectives elements as outlined below. For a complete list and definitions of the design objectives within the context of whole building design, click on the titles below.Functional / Operational Sloped Floors:Sloped floors, with level terraces for each row of seating, help provide the proper sightlines from the audience to the stage. Note that the bottom and intermediate rows should be directly accessible from entry levels to allow forAmericans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities(ADAAG) compliant accessible seating positions. See also WBDGAccessible. Fixed Seats:Typically, fixed seats with tilting upholstered seat and back, integral arm and tablet arm are provided with articulated back for maximum occupant passage space between rows. The seats may be fully upholstered or wood contoured outer back and seat shells with wood armrests with tablet arm option and aisle light option at row ends. Seat number/row letters should beAmericans with Disabilities Act(ADA) compliant. Wheelchair access option-removable seats in sections of two and accessible end chairs for mobility limited occupants should be provided. See also WBDGAccessible. Special Lighting:Dramatic lighting systems include front lighting, foot lighting, spot lights, follow spot lights, beam lights, and flood lights, and a projection room/booth with manual and programmable lighting controls, and space for the spot light operator space. Lighting systems should be flexible to accommodate various performance venues (e.g., lectures, plays, musical performances, etc.) in the Auditorium. Occupancy:Occupancy Group Classification is Assembly A1 or A3 as per IBC, with sprinkler protected construction, and GSA Acoustical Class A space requiring special acoustical design. See also WBDGSecure / SafePlan for Fire Protection.Productive Special Acoustical Design:Quality acoustical characteristics are important in Auditorium spaces so that performances and presentations can be clearly heard and understood. For performance spaces and general presentation spaces, recommended noise criteria (NC) rating ranges from NC-20 to NC-30; recommended sound transmission class (STC) rating ranges from STC 40 to STC 50. Strategies to achieve the recommended NC and STC ranges include, for example: Type II vinyl wall covering and fabric covered acoustical wall panels for the interior wall finish in the auditorium; Type II vinyl wall covering for the stage area; Type II vinyl wall coverings for 1/3 of the front of the orchestra (audience) sidewalls and fabric covered acoustical panels for 2/3 of the back of the orchestra (audience) sidewalls; fabric covered acoustical panels for rear walls; and a plaster and plywood combinationbecause of their reverberation characteristicsfor the ceiling. For more information, see WBDGProductiveProvide Comfortable Environments.Sustainable Increased Cooling Capacity:Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for Auditorium spaces are sized and zoned to accommodate varying internal loads, which are a function of audience sizes, performance lighting loads, and projection equipment. Particularly, air handling units (AHUs) with increased cooling capacity should be zoned separately for the auditorium, lobby, projection spaces, stage areas, and audience seating areas. Also, the Auditorium typically has a separate AHU constant volume with modulated temperature control for ventilation. For more information, see WBDGHigh-Performance HVAC. Raised Floor:The recommended system for distribution of HVAC in auditorium spaces is ducted supply through floor vents with ducted ceiling return air vents in auditorium and lobby. In other spaces, ducted ceiling supply with return air ceiling plenum is recommended. Note that there should be transfer ducts at all acoustically rated partitions.Secure / Safe Fire and Life Safety:Proper notification systems, lighting, and signage are required to facilitate safe and speedy evacuations during an emergency in the Auditorium spaces. Step lights recessed into floor risers at each seating tier and wall mounted low light level sconce lights along side walls are typical. Sprinklers should be provided per code and under stage platforms to suppress fires. See also WBDGSecure / SafeEnsure Occupant Safety and HealthandSecure / SafePlan for Fire Protection.Example ProgramThe following building program is representative of Auditorium space types.AuditoriumDescriptionTenant Occupiable AreasQty.SF EachSpace Req'd.Sum Actual SFTenant Usable FactorTenant USF

Entrance2,096

Lobby11,5001,500

Entrance Vestibules19696

Coat Check1150150

Retail Area1200200

Media Library1150150

Main Auditorium4,800

Seating (300 seats)13,6003,600

Stage11,2001,200

Support Spaces1,300

Projection/Control Room1300300

Equipment Storage1300300

Rear Projection Room1400400

Public Toilets (Male1120120

Public Toilets (Female)1180180

Tenant Suite8,1968,1961.149,375

Tenant Usable Areas18,750

Example PlansThe following diagram is representative of typical tenant plans.

Adsby SavePass1.1AdOptionsExample Construction CriteriaFor GSA, the unit costs for Auditorium space types are based on the construction quality and design features in the followingtable(PDF 61 KB, 6 pgs). This information is based on GSA's benchmark interpretation and could be different for other owners.BACK TO TOPRELEVANT CODES AND STANDARDSThe following agencies and organizations have developed codes and standards affecting the design of Auditoriums. Note that the codes and standards are minimum requirements. Architects, engineers, and consultants should consider exceeding the applicable requirements whenever possible. Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities(ADAAG) GSA,Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service, P100 International Building CodeBACK TO TOPMAJOR RESOURCESWBDGvvv